Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) has launched its new Smart Card Library program, allowing you to rent out a card for unlimited rides over a five day period.
It's a partnership with Huron, Lambton, North Middlesex, Kettle and Stony Point First Nations libraries.
"We do know that there's still a little bit of reticence from rural residents to trust, to get on the bus, travel somewhere," said Susan Mills, Transit Coordinator. "We're also used to getting somewhere by car. Making that little jump to give transit a try could be a bit of a hurdle so we're hoping the library pass will help people surpass that."
The card can be picked up at Arkona, Bayfield, Exeter, Forest, Goderich, Grand Bend, Hensall, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Port Franks, Sarnia, Thedford, or Zurich libraries. It will give you unlimited rides for five days and cannot be renewed. This is to try and allow as many people as possible to try any of HSAT's four routes.
"I think a good number of people realize it's convenient, safe, and very, very affordable," Mills said. "For those who have vehicles, who don't like driving and the struggle to find parking, the bus makes it so much easier."
Mills also noted the cost it takes to maintain a vehicle, adding HSAT's routes are only $5 or $10, depending on the distance.
"As an example, if someone that lived in Bayfield was going to Goderich, that would be a $5 trip," she said. "If someone lived in Grand Bend and they wanted to go to Sarnia or London, that would be a $10 trip."
Monthly passes are also available for $80 for those who give the transit a try and want to use it more than twice a week.
Any questions about HSAT's services, as well as a customer service line open every day of the week, can be found on its website.